Cover Reveal: MUSIC PLANTS HOPE

Posted on October 6, 2025 by viviankirkfield

Hello dear blog friends! It’s Monday…and I wanted to provide you with a positive start to your week. And what could be better than a COVER REVEAL!

The kid-lit community is filled with incredible people…and when long-time friend Tonnye Fletcher reached out to let me know she had a new book, MUSIC PLANTS HOPE, illustrated by Natalia Bruno, launching next May, I knew I’d want to help her celebrate! It’s an honor to welcome her to Picture Books Help Kids Soar.

ME: Thank you so much for stopping by, Tonnye. Our readers love to find out the story behind the story – and we appreciate your time.
Can you tell us a little bit about the book?

TONNYE: It’s a joy to be here, Vivian. I’m so happy to be sharing the cover of my debut picture book on your blog!

MUSIC PLANTS HOPE, illustrated by Natalia Bruno and published by Reycraft, flies into bookstores on May 26, 2026

It is the story of the concert for plants in Barcelona during the Covid 19 Pandemic. The brief prologue and epilogue tell the facts of the story, but the rest tells the story of the impact of the music – a lyrical retelling of the concert from the moment the string quartet steps onto the stage until they exit the stage.

ME: What inspired you to write this story?

TONNYE:
On June 25, 2020, Alice Fugate tweeted this:”I don’t know how exactly just yet but could there be a picture book story in this quirky delightful scene? 🙂 #mswl” (https://x.com/AliceSFugate/status/1276122872352845824) I took her up on her challenge and wrote 3 different versions of the story: an expository nonfiction account of the concert, a story that followed one of the plants from the nursery, through the concert and home with the healthcare worker, and this lyrical account of the concert.

ME: Can you share a humorous incident and/or challenging moment on the path to publication?

TONNYE:
Well, I wrote three versions, inspired by Alice’s tweet, went on to polish all three stories through several critique groups, sent her all three with the hopes that she would like one of them, but no, it was a rejection for all three of them. Not even a R&R – nothing. She said, “I enjoyed learning a little more about this musical event (and listening to Puccini’s piece). I’m afraid however that these various versions seem to lack focus and structure, and I’m not as in love with them as I would want to be in order to move forward and will therefore stand aside.” I queried the story and pitched it many more times before Winsome Bingham of Reycraft picked it up from a pitch party in Feb. 2023.

ME: Oh…a pitch party! Many writers ask me if those are worth doing…and I guess, based on your experience, the answer is YES! Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us!

ME: Dear blog followers…here’s a little info about Tonnye:
Tonnye Fletcher is an M.Ed, National Board-certified veteran teacher with experience in second and third grade classrooms, as well as k-2 music. Tonnye is a strong literacy advocate, leading a local council of the NC Reading Association and volunteering within NCRA in various capacities. She is passionate about reading, music, and the intersection of those two. To that end, she hosts PBJamz, a multimedia blog series highlighting picture books with musical hooks. Tonnye participates in SCBWI and in Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. She is represented by Joyce Sweeney of the Seymour Agency. At home, Tonnye and her husband, Shane, and a few feline fur-babies, live on a family farm they share with extended family. There are many family dinners around the table in the 1882-built Victorian farmhouse that they will be renovating for years to come.

And here’s a little info about the illustrator:
Natalia Bruno is an illustrator who lives in a small town called Veronica, in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina, with her husband and two cats. She has always loved telling stories and has been drawing since she could hold a pencil. Her journey down the path of visual arts began when she studied photography a couple of years ago. At the same time, she became interested in the world of illustration and picture books, which led her to take several art workshops. Her work tools are traditional: gouache, acrylics, oil pastels, and colored pencils on paper.

We all know that there are ways WE can help new books become a success. We can:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (please SHARE on your SOCIAL MEDIA)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection

Here are some pre-order links
Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/p/books/music-plants-hope/2e574b409cd3665e?ean=9781478890805&next=t

Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1478890800?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XCND19CABBW2W5FJ6PC3&bestFormat=true
B&N” https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/music-plants-hope-tonnye-fletcher/1148124460?ean=9781478890805
Reycraft

social media links:
BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/tonnyef.bsky.social
Twitter/X https://x.com/tonnyef
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tonnyefletcher67/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/tonnyef/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TWFauthor
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@tonnyefletcher1523 Website https://www.tonnyefletcher.com/

And now dear friends…you’ve been so patient…
Here is the GORGEOUS cover for MUSIC PLANTS HOPE:

Thank you for spending your precious time with us. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Happy Book Birthday: HAZEL AND MABEL: TWO HEARTS APART

Posted on September 30, 2025 by viviankirkfield

It’s Tuesday, dear friends…and you know what that means! It’s time to sing Happy Birthday to a brand new book from a long-time kid lit buddy of mine, Melissa Stoller.

It’s called: HAZEL AND MABEL: TWO HEARTS APART…and it’s illustrated by Anita Bagdi and published by Gnome Road Publishing!

And because Melissa is a sweetheart – she’s stopped by to share a bit of the story behind the story. She knows we always love to get a peek at what inspires writers to write a particular story.
ME: Welcome, Melissa! Thank you so much for visiting with us today! Please share a little bit about the story and why you wrote it.

MELISSA: Thank you for hosting me on your blog, Vivian! I could not think of a better book birthday launch for HAZEL AND MABEL: TWO HEARTS APART, illustrated by the extremely talented Anita Bagdi, and published by Gnome Road Publishing. It’s a story about friendship, and I am grateful for our amazing friendship which has spanned many years.

This book is about what happens after a best friend moves away, and when she returns, things don’t feel exactly as they used to. I was inspired to write this story because my children and I have experienced people moving and friendships shifting and changing. Through Hazel and Mabel’s adventures, I wanted children to see that while someone can change, the friendship can still survive. Also, Hazel and Mabel communicate through letters and they both love writing and storytelling. This becomes part of the creative way they find to get the heart of their friendship beating again. Including characters who enjoy writing made my heart sing!

ME: Can you share a bit about how it was to work with your editor? And also, how did you feel when you saw the illustrations?

MELISSA: It has been a dream working with Sandra Sutter and her team at Gnome Road Publishing! And Anita’s illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture all the emotions the characters feel such as disappointment, longing, happiness, and more. I especially appreciate all the details she includes, and I love that she shows Mabel moving away in a hot air balloon. Too cute! And she illustrates how Hazel and Mabel send their letters back and forth – through an Owl Post – truly adorable!

ME: I’m so glad it was such a positive experience, Melissa! And thank you for writing this story…we need all the friendship stories we can get to help mend our somewhat broken world. Plus, I understand you have teacher resources on your website.

MELISSA: Thank you again for highlighting HAZEL AND MABEL: TWO HEARTS APART on launch day! I am so excited for young readers to discover the enduring friendship of Hazel and Mabel! And for educators: check out my website at www.MelissaStoller.com for a complimentary Educator’s Curriculum Guide with discussion questions, enrichment materials, and lesson ideas.

Dear friends, here’s a little bit about author Melissa Stoller:

Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel: Two Hearts Apart, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing on September 30, 2025. Melissa’s next picture book, Stella’s Special Recipe, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, will release from Kar-Ben Publishing in Fall 2026.

Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection – Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, and a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Trustee. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks with family and friends.

TO CONNECT WITH MELISSA AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER BOOKS:
https://www.MelissaStoller.com
https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog 
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller

@MelissaStoller.bsky.social

You can purchase HAZEL AND MABEL: TWO HEARTS APART at these bookstores:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/hazel-and-mabel-two-hearts-apart-melissa-stoller/960a747616a2c234?ean=9781957655574&next=t&next=t

https://www.amazon.com/Hazel-Mabel-Two-Hearts-Apart/dp/1957655577/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hazel-and-mabel-melissa-stoller/1146882184?ean=9781957655574

And because we want beautiful books like this one to become a success and get into the hands of young readers, we can:
Buy the book – use one of the links above
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (PLEASE share this post on your social media)
Ask local libraries to purchase copies for their collection

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your precious time with us. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Perfect Picture Book Friday: WOODY’S WORDS: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows Plus PB Critique GIVEAWAY

Posted on September 26, 2025 by viviankirkfield

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Today’s author is a longtime kidlit friend of mine…we both debuted in 2019 and have been friends ever since! She has graciously offered a giveaway for a Picture Book Critique (nonrhyming under 600 words). So, please make sure you leave a comment.

WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS

Written by Lisa Rogers

Illustrated by Susan Reagan

Published by Calkins Creek/Astra (September 9, 2025)

Ages: 7-10

Themes: Perseverance, accepting help, the power of words

From Astra: The life of Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Rawls, the author of the children’s classic Where the Red Fern Grows, is revealed in this nonfiction picture book for ages 7 – 10 that celebrates persistence, creativity, and chasing dreams.

When Woody Rawls read The Call of the Wild, a classic novel about a stolen mistreated dog and a kindly man, his life was forever changed. Maybe it was because he loved his own dog, or maybe it was because the story reached deep into his heart and stayed there. From then on, Woody was determined to learn to write and become a teller of tales.

Woody didn’t care that he couldn’t afford pen and paper. He would use a stick in the sand if he had to. Woody trusted his heart and used his imagination to create his stories, which he shared with Rowdy, his trusty hound. Woody never stopped writing even when it was hard to and when life got in the way. He went on to write several novels and publish two books for children– including the timeless classic Where the Red Fern Grows. This story of hard work creatively presented by author Lisa Rogers and illustrator Susan Reagan will resonate with young readers and adults alike.

Why I Love This Book
1. I love books about authors of classic books!

2. I love books that take me to a different place and time!
3. I love books filled with heart – Wilson Rawls’ struggle to realize his dream of becoming an author is relatable and makes his achievement one to celebrate!

ME:I was chatting with Lisa and mentioned that we all love to hear about the path to publication for our Perfect Picture Book Friday books…and she graciously stopped by.
Welcome, Lisa! Can you share a bit about why you wrote this story and how it came about?

Lisa: Thanks for sharing WOODY’S WORDS today, Vivian! I have a special story about the impetus for writing this book.

During my career as an elementary library teacher, I read thousands of books. But I had never read Where the Red Fern Grows, the classic story of a boy and his hounds, until one of my students told me how much it moved him.

That afternoon, I brought home the book and could not put it down. The story held my attention from its start to its heart-rending finish. But I gasped aloud as I read the note about its author: “Though he didn’t have access to real books until he was of high-school age…”

I had to know more. I instantly was captivated as I listened to Rawls telling his life story—a priceless treasure, made available online, thanks to Woody’s wife, Sophie Rawls, and read-aloud champion Jim Trelease. I was drawn to Rawls’ world just as I was drawn into Where the Red Fern Grows.

There was more to Woody’s story, though, which I discovered during extensive research, including interviews with family members. That research made Rawls’ achievement even more impressive than I could have imagined.

What struck me, though, was not just his achievement. It was that he gave up—completely abandoned his dream–until he found encouragement from Sophie.

That struggle resonated with me. Growing up, I shared Woody’s dream of becoming a published author. I had advantages that Woody did not have, but I didn’t try writing until I was in my second career as a librarian. I almost gave up, but our wonderful kidlit writing community encouraged me.

I think Woody’s story is a wonderful example for anyone — child or adult — with a dream. Almost no one reaches a goal without some kind of help. If Woody hadn’t trusted his wife to help and encourage him, we would not have Where the Red Fern grows to cherish and read over and over again. Look for his acknowledgement of that help in the dedication to Where the Red Fern Grows.

Woody’s Words is beautifully and tenderly illustrated by Susan Reagan. Susan’s art is gorgeous and so evocative!!

I’m sharing an activity for practicing writing like Woody did. It’s from my Woody’s Words Activity Kit, which anyone can obtain by signing up for my newsletter at lisarogerswrites.com.

ME: WOW…thank you so much, Lisa. I loved hearing your path to publication for this book. And thank you for providing the writing activity! What could be better than encouraging readers to write?

RELATED ACTIVITY:

Write like Wilson Rawls!

Woody learned to write as a child in the Ozarks of Oklahoma by noticing what was around him. Find a spot that is special to you or imagine that you are there. What do you see, hear, touch, taste, smell? Use as many senses as you can.

Write down one or two words for each sense. Then, choose more specific, “juicy” words to describe what you imagine. For example, you might “see” a bird flying. How does it move? Does it soar, swoop, circle, dive?

Then, use your beautiful words to write a poem or description of your special place.

Keep all of your work, even if you don’t think it’s your best. As Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Lies says, “Practice makes better.” Keep writing. Keep noticing. With practice, maybe you will become a cherished author, just like Wilson Rawls!

ME: I’m so excited to add this beautiful book to my special shelf of books by dear friends. And honestly, I am also going to get a copy of WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS…I’m sure I read it years ago…but it feels like a story that will become a faithful friend…there when you need inspiration or encouragement…the perfect book for these difficult days.

To order your OWN copy from Lisa’s local indie bookstore:

Buy link: https://www.wellesleybooks.com/book/9781662680298

Website: https://lisarogerswrites.com

And here’s a little bit more about Lisa:

Lisa Rogers’ career as an elementary library teacher inspired her to write for children. She’s the award-winning author of Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage, 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and “The Red Wheelbarrow,” Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony, and the brand-new Woody’s Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows. A former news reporter and editor, Lisa received degrees in English Literature from William & Mary and Boston College and a master’s in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. In 2024, she served as a PB Rising Stars mentor. A four-time runner of the Boston Marathon, she daydreams, runs, paints, and has adventures with her hound near Boston.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your precious time with us. Please don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to WIN the fabulous giveaway: A Picture Book Critique (nonrhyming, under 600 words) from the lovely and talented Lisa. If you have read it, maybe you can share your thoughts about Where the Red Fern Grows…and if you haven’t, perhaps you can share the title of another childhood favorite that inspired and encouraged you.

Have a wonderful weekend!